Gran Turismo 5
Preview
Benchmark title for a whole new generation
by Al Warwick
previewed on PS3
Firsts (cntd)
For a driving game to boast the ‘most realistic simulator experience’ only then to feature its vehicles bounce and scrape merrily off walls and each other with nothing tarnished except for the player’s pride was a significant own goal. No-one wants to see the Burnout esque carnage and ridiculous car flippage, but it would add another dimension to the gameplay if there was actual risk of denting that beloved Supercar.
Cars and tracks
So which cars can gamers expect to scratch, dent and, yes overturn in crisp HD graphical nirvana? All the big names are here of course with Lamborghini and Bugatti making their home console debuts after featuring in the average PSP title a couple of years ago. McLaren also joins in the fun with their exquisite McLaren F1 road car available to play with and Ferrari bring along their brand new and really rather special Italia 458 along for the ride. Electric and hybrid models are also included with the Tesla model, Toyota Prius and Honda Insight confirmed.
There is set to be over 20 different tracks with over 70 different variations to throw these beasts around. Any fan of Top Gear will be pleased to know that the show’s test track at Dunsfold Park also features as well as other real life locales as the Daytona and Indianapolis Speedways and the wonderful Nurburgring Nordschleife.
The winning formula then, looks to be continued with this long overdue entry into the thoroughbred GT stable – more cars, more tracks, a new and more in depth career mode (credits system…shock!), old favorites such as license garnering and championship races.
Concerns?
Does there exist any reasons for concern? Well the many cars will be segmented into two categories – standard and premium. The standard cars will feature very basic detailing and damage modeling whilst the (far fewer) premium models feature high and low beam headlights and more detail. This sounds like a little bit of a cop out in my book. Yes I expect even the ‘standard’ models to look stunning, but they will be soon discarded for their detailed counterparts which could result in a linear vehicle choice for today’s graphics junkies.
The 3d aspect of the game is said to be much weaker than that offered by other upcoming titles namely Need for Speed Hot Pursuit.
Benchmark
These may yet be fixed however. The end result combines that signature level of beauty, precision and gameplay depth married with realistic damage that the franchise is known for. Add a (hopefully) fully functional and effective online option and you have Gran Turismo 5 as the benchmark title for a whole new generation once more.
